Outreach Victim Advocate

EXEMPT:                   No
CLASSIFICATION:    Full-Time
REPORTS TO:           Victim Services Coordinator                             
DEPARTMENT:          Police
SALARY RANGE:       $58,918 - $88,377 Annually                           
HIRING RANGE:        $58,918 - $77,329 Annually DOQ

NATURE OF WORK
The mission of every Town of Frederick employee is to “Foster an Exceptional and Inclusive Community that is Built on What Matters,” guided by the Town’s core values: Family, Respect, Empowerment, and Dedication.

Under broad supervision, the Outreach Victim Advocate will provide victim advocacy and on-call support to the four participating jurisdictions- Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, and Mead. This position works closely with victims and their families, witnesses, police officers, detectives and court personnel to provide victim assistance and advocacy services. The Outreach Victim Advocate will provide immediate crisis intervention, follow up case management, individual and family support, information about the criminal justice system, information about Victim Rights, and resources/referrals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties listed herein are illustrative of the essential duties of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required or assigned.
• Provides victim assistance and advocacy services for residents in all four cooperating agencies.
• Provides initial and follow up contact with victims, victim’s family members and/or witnesses.
• Reads and interprets police reports in order to identify the needs of the victims/witnesses involved.
• Assists victims in understanding and coping with their situations and contacting pertinent parties such as friends, family, health care professionals, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and service providers.
• Makes appropriate referrals to community-based resources/services to address any identified needs.
• Provides emergency support services, such as developing a safety plan or addressing immediate safety needs.
• Assists victims and/or their families with victim compensation and financial assistance applications.
• Explains criminal justice processes and procedures to victims; provides victims with factual updates during the investigation and criminal proceedings.
• Maintains statistical data for grant reporting; prepares reports documenting casework.
• Researches and complies lists of community resources available to victims; updates and maintains information packets for victims.
• Provides training and guidance to volunteer victim advocates and victim advocate interns on policies, procedures, liability, and safety issues.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences as necessary for the maintenance of effective services.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and city/county rules and regulations.
• May be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• On call is required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to work with a great deal of empathy, caring and tact. 
• Ability to understand and relate to diverse populations of people.
• Ability to work a flexible, on-call schedule that will include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated and able to work with very minimal supervision.
• Strong relationship building, conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be compassionate and non-judgmental with victims of crime

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
• Associate degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or a related field preferred. Two years’ experience in victim advocacy or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience which provide the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position may be considered.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and proof of a clean driving record.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and a polygraph examination.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer is regularly required to talk, see and hear, and to use hands to finger, handle, touch or feel. The volunteer is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. Most work is performed in the field and may require the employee to work in and be exposed to all weather conditions including but not limited to extreme heat, extreme cold, sun, wind, snow, etc.  The noise level is usually moderate.

The Town of Frederick is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. The Town complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's readjustment Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and all civil rights laws of the State of Colorado. Accordingly, equal opportunity of employment shall be extended to all persons and the Town shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through fair and equitable hiring practices.  The Town of Frederick Administration Building is located at 401 Locust Street, Frederick, CO  80530.